119 drug smugglers arrested with 1248 kg of drugs
Bilaspur. Fulfilling its social commitment along with the safety of railway passengers and railway property, Railway Protection Force, South East Central Railway is successfully implementing Operation “Narcos”. Under this, narcotics worth more than Rs 1.56 crore have been seized. This campaign began to draw attention to the growing threat of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This campaign against drug smuggling through rail was started in June-2022. Railway Protection Force, South East Central Railway has intensified its investigation in trains and identified black spots across the country in coordination with Narcotics Control Bureau and other law enforcement agencies to target drug smugglers involved in this illegal trade.
Railway Protection Force, South East Central Railway, as a law enforcement agency, has achieved significant achievements in recent times under Operation Narcos. Under this operation, Railway Protection Force, South East Central Railway has taken swift action against carriers/transporters carrying narcotics products through Railways. It also intensified its investigation in trains and identified black spots in coordination with NCB and other LEAs to target drug peddlers involved in this illegal trade. So far, about 1248 kg of various narcotic products worth Rs 1.56 crore have been recovered. . Railway Protection Force, South East Central Railway has so far arrested 119 persons carrying NDPS within its jurisdiction and handed them over to the concerned law enforcement agencies for further legal action.
South East Central Railway plays a leading role in the transportation of passengers and goods. Due to its wide network, long distance trains are often used by criminals to smuggle NDPS into different states by disguising drug carriers as common passengers. Thus, it becomes very challenging for the security agencies to prevent smuggling of such narcotics and railways from becoming a medium for illegal transportation of NDPS.
The Railway Protection Force has been empowered to conduct search, seizure and arrest under the NDPS Act since April 2019 and the force has been actively participating in the government’s efforts to curb illicit trade. Drugs not only spoil the health of the youth, but these substances also harm the economy and the interest of the nation. Drug addiction has far-reaching effects as it affects both the physical and mental health of a person. Railway Protection Force, South East Central Railway will continue its operation at a fast pace.
